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Stalin's Ghost (Abridged): An Arkady Renko Novel Audiobook
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(3.01) - 1,729 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Detective Arkady Renko returns to Moscow in the internationally bestselling series about Russian crimes, broken hearts, and the mysteries of the soul.
Investigator Arkady Renko, the pariah of the Moscow prosecutor's office, has been assigned the thankless job of investigating a new phenomenon: late-night subway riders report seeing the ghost of Joseph Stalin on the platform of the Chistye Prudy Metro station. The illusion seems part political hocus-pocus and also part wishful thinking, for among many Russians Stalin is again popular; the bloody dictator can boast a two-to-one approval rating. Decidedly better than that of Renko, whose lover, Eva, has left him for Detective Nikolai Isakov, a charismatic veteran of the civil war in Chechnya, a hero of the far right and, Renko suspects, a killer for hire. The cases entwine, and Renko's quests become a personal inquiry fueled by jealousy.
The investigation leads to the fields of Tver outside of Moscow, where once a million soldiers fought. There, amidst the detritus, Renko must confront the ghost of his own father, a favorite general of Stalin's. In these barren fields, patriots and shady entrepreneurs -- the Red Diggers and Black Diggers -- collect the bones, weapons and personal effects of slain World War II soldiers, and find that even among the dead there are surprises.
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"This is the first book I read in the Arkady Renko series. People have claimed to see Stalin's ghost on a subway in Russia and Renko is assigned to the case. I liked it so well, I checked out Gorky Park the next time I went to the library. I felt cultured reading it because it's set in Russia. Get it? And we're American. Different culture, yes, I am awesome."
— Chelsea (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Smith eschews vertiginous twists and surprises, concentrating instead on Renko as he slowly and patiently builds his case until the pieces fall together and he has again, if not exactly triumphed, at least survived. This masterful suspense novel casts a searing light on contemporary Russia.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Ron McLarty’s voice varies enough to distinguish character traits, but his forte is his deliberate pacing. McLarty gives Renko a sense of calm rationality through all of his travails.”
— AudioFile
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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A 2007 Hammett Prize Finalist
Stalin's Ghost Listener Reviews
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Scott, 11/19/2020
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" This was an interesting crime mystery set in Russia. It was a little hard to follow the character names as an audio book, but good for a long drive. "
— Chris, 1/23/2014 -
" This is my least favorite book in the Detective Arkady Renko series. Although it was strong in parts, the plot was somewhat complicated and ultimately unfulfilling. "
— Michelle, 1/17/2014 -
" I'm biased - I love Arkady Renko! This series fuses my two favorite genres, historical fiction and mystery. I couldn't ask for more! I read it in the span of one library loan, which is super amazing for me! "
— Kathy, 1/16/2014 -
" Cruz Smith normally gets 4 star review. I've always like his protagonist Arkady Renko. Unfortunately in this book Arkady is walking around like a zombie with a death wish. Very disappointing. "
— Lou, 12/26/2013 -
" I like detective novels where I learn something from the background of the novel. Smith's Arkady series always has something interesting for me. I enjoyed this one. "
— Jim, 12/19/2013 -
" Another terrific outcast character. Renko is a humourus Russian, in a very humourless land. At times bleak, but always interesting stories, characters, history, culture and suspense. Tremendous read, I enjoyed this book very, very much. "
— Yvonne, 12/15/2013 -
" I don't think Cruz Smith has quite matched Gorkey Park. Renko, however, is a wonderful character and I will read everything that is generated about him. "
— Martha, 9/20/2013 -
" Arkady Renko is back from Chernobyl! The hero of Gorky Park is still with us even though the USSR is no more. "
— Tim, 3/21/2013 -
" Deep and dark (does Russia ever produce anything to laugh about?) but readable as the Arkady Renko novels (Gorky Park, Polar Star) always is. "
— Doris, 12/3/2012 -
" Every page waltzed along smoke filled brooding lines "
— Victor, 5/19/2012 -
" Excellent Arkady Renko mystery. "
— Theresa, 5/2/2012 -
" Arkasha, where are you? We miss you. "
— Tracy, 3/11/2012 -
" Great story, superb main character. Have to read the whole series! "
— Michal, 1/23/2012 -
" Though not the best Arkady Renko book - still worth the read! "
— George, 11/28/2011 -
" Good story, usual humor, character development was a little weak. Nice job weaving historical facts and current politics into the storyline. "
— Mark, 8/17/2011 -
" Audio Book. The hero gets shot in the head and lives. It kept my attention but I don't think it was anything special. "
— Jake, 5/6/2011 -
" There are no more Stieg Larssons out there. This series is just as good if not better. And you don't have to worry about bad translations as Mr Smith is a native American (wait! not a Native American-you understand the difference).<br/>Read and enjoy. "
— Gary, 2/7/2011 -
" Arkasha, where are you? We miss you. "
— Tracy, 1/1/2011 -
" Great mystery book set in Russia. I wish I had the earlier entries in this series. "
— Joel, 10/27/2010 -
" Still love the writing, love the characters.<br/><br/>Cliffhanger ending is the only reason it doesn't get five stars. "
— Lois, 10/21/2010 -
" Fantastic - I can't get enough of Arkady Renko. "
— Paul, 10/16/2010 -
" Pretty good, but not great. Certainly doesn't leave one feeling warm & fuzzy about Russia. Too much corruption. "
— Julie, 10/16/2010 -
" Cruz Smith normally gets 4 star review. I've always like his protagonist Arkady Renko. Unfortunately in this book Arkady is walking around like a zombie with a death wish. Very disappointing. "
— Lou, 9/28/2010 -
" Can't read this one with the kids in the car! Pretty rough story - language, sex and violence; however, interesting sense of Russian history and politics. "
— Debbie, 9/24/2010
About Martin Cruz Smith
Martin Cruz-Smith is the bestselling author of several novels. In 2019 he was named an Edgar Award Grand Master. He is a two-time winner of the Hammett Prize from the International Association of Crime Writers and winner of Britain’s Golden Dagger Award and and of the Premio Piemonte Giallo Internazionale.
About Ron McLarty
Ron McLarty is a veteran actor of television, film, and stage as well as an award-winning audiobook narrator. He has more than 100 television appearances to his credit, including as a series regular on Spencer for Hire and Law & Order. His film career began in 1977 with a performance in The Sentinel and continued with such films as The Postman, Flamingo Kid, and, most recently, How Do You Know? His stage credits include Broadway and other productions. He has narrated more than 100 audiobooks, earning nine Earphones Awards and recognition by AudioFile magazine as a Best Voice in Mystery & Suspense in 2009 and 2010. He has twice been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Awards and then won the award in 2001 for Best Mystery Narration. He is also an accomplished playwright and an acclaimed novelist.